According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, you are entitled to compensation for reasonable incidental expenses you incur because of your delayed baggage, up to the maximum liability limits, set by statute. For U.S. domestic flights, this is $3,800 per passenger.

It is a common misconception that the airport pays for lost luggage; in reality, the airline is legally responsible for reimbursement. As of 2026, for domestic flights within the U.S., the Department of Transportation (DOT) has set the maximum liability limit at $4,700 per passenger. For international flights, the Montreal Convention governs the reimbursement, currently capped at 1,288 Special Drawing Rights (SDRs), which is approximately $2,200 to $2,300 USD depending on currency fluctuations. These amounts are the maximums the airline must pay, not a flat check; you must provide a detailed list of the lost items and their depreciated value, often requiring receipts for high-value goods. Airlines are also required to refund any baggage fees you paid for the lost suitcase. If you are carrying items worth more than these limits, it is highly advised to purchase "excess valuation" from the airline at check-in or rely on travel insurance. For assistive devices like wheelchairs, domestic rules require the airline to pay the full original purchase price, regardless of the standard $4,700 cap.